Ingrown Hairs - Razor Bumps

Ingrown hairs also known as razor bumps, razor burn, hair bumps, shaving bumps or Psuedofolliculitis Barbae (PFB), is a condition where the hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin causing inflammation.

Ingrown hairs also known as razor bumps, razor burn, hair bumps, shaving bumps or Psuedofolliculitis Barbae (PFB), is a condition where the hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin causing inflammation. It may or may not be accompanied by an infection of the hair follicle, or razor bumps which vary in size. While ingrown hair most commonly appears in areas where the skin is shaved viz beard, legs, pubic region, it can appear anywhere on the body.

Ingrown hairs are more common among people with very curly hair. Most ingrown hairs occur in the beard area and ingrown hairs are very common in people of colour

The most common symptom of an ingrown hair is inflammation of the skin, followed by pus formation. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. The symptoms of an ingrown hair may resemble other skin conditions. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis.

Many ingrown hairs will eventually grow out by themselves and don't need treatment. See a dermatologist if you get ingrown hairs all the time or if the pain of an ingrown hair persists for more than a few days.

When needed, treatment may include:

Topical antiseptics

Antibiotics, if an infection is present

Permanent hair removal, in stubborn cases

Shaving tips that may help prevent ingrown hairs on the face include:

Avoid repeated razor strokes over the same area

Shave only in one direction and in the direction of hair growth

Use a moisturizer to soften the beard/ hair before shaving or shave after showering to make shaving easier

Topical therapies:

At Skin Renewal we offer exfoliating lotions such NeoStrata Ultra Smoothing Lotion which is formulated with AHAs, and is ideal moisturizing and exfoliating therapy for dry, rough skin on the face and is great for areas that are prone to ingrown hairs.

In office therapies:

For areas that are prone to ingrown hairs and are resistant to topical treatment, Laser hair removal with the Nd:YAG laser improves the problem within 2 to 3 treatments. This treatment is indicated for any skin type especially in people of colour who are more prone to this problem.

Skin Renewal Tip

After 2 or 3 Laser hair removal treatments to improve and treat ingrown hairs, the post Inflammatory hyperpigmentation that remains can be treated with topical skin lighteners such as Luminesce, Lytera from SkinMedica and Enlighten from Neotrata brightening range and/or in office Alpha hydroxy or Beta Hydroxy peels .

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I have been a client at Skin Renewal for 2 years and I'm always impressed by the excellent service I receive. She is a wonderful therapist and always takes care to ensure excellent treatment as well as inform me of latest offerings from Skin Renewal. As a company they are cutting edge and up to date with the best treatments available.

Please note: the information contained on this page is not meant to diagnose any condition or provide conclusive treatment options for a given condition. The final decision on treatments and diagnosis can only be made after a full history is obtained in person, and a physical examination is done.